General Discussion Triathlon Talk » cons of latex tubes? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2012-10-22 1:38 PM

User image

Extreme Veteran
640
50010025
Subject: cons of latex tubes?
If you're a 20-21mph rider for rides up to 56 miles, is there much benefit to be had going to latex tubes?  I know they are more susceptible to pinch flats.  That's a big worry for me.  Is there any downside to latex tubes once you actually have them installed properly?  Next season I will have a set of racing only wheels and am considering latex tubes, but am worried about durability.


2012-10-22 1:43 PM
in reply to: #4463772

User image

Elite
3515
20001000500
Romeoville, Il
Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?

1. Installation risk-operator error

2. cost

3. they deflate faster when sitting around

4. can't use as spare if you use CO2

 

that's all really

2012-10-22 1:44 PM
in reply to: #4463772

User image

Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?

Latex tubes are more expensive, harder to find, and takes more care to install.  If you don't install them properly (with a fold in the tube), it will pinch and flat...but if installed properly, they are actually less prone to pinch flats because the tube is more supple.

You could make an argument that the thinner material makes them more prone to punctures, but if you ask me, any sharp object that penetrates your tire is likely goint to puncture your tube...butyl or latex.

2012-10-22 1:44 PM
in reply to: #4463781

User image

Extreme Veteran
640
50010025
Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?
2, 3, and 4 aren't really an issue.  so once it's in and its in correctly, is the risk of a puncture greater than butyl?  or are all of the risks centered around installation?
2012-10-22 1:45 PM
in reply to: #4463772

User image

Pro
5361
50001001001002525
Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?

the cons listed above are it.

the up-side is that with a good race tire, they will reduce your rolling resistance and make you faster.  Certainly a good bang for the buck on race day.  Get them.

2012-10-22 1:46 PM
in reply to: #4463772

User image

Elite
3515
20001000500
Romeoville, Il
Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?

BTW....(knocking on wood here)..............

I race and train on tubulars more than 3000 miles per year.  Been using them for 2 years with Conti 4000s tires and have NEVER flatted.  I ride in Illinois and some of the roads here are pretty garbage too.



2012-10-22 1:49 PM
in reply to: #4463785

User image

Pro
6520
50001000500
Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?

michael_runs - 2012-10-22 11:44 AM 2, 3, and 4 aren't really an issue.  so once it's in and its in correctly, is the risk of a puncture greater than butyl?  or are all of the risks centered around installation?

Whenever I flat, I look for the cause before putting in a replacement tube.  Whether glass, nails, etc., every puncture I've had would have ended the same whether butyl or latex. 

2012-10-22 2:41 PM
in reply to: #4463772

User image

Master
1411
1000100100100100
Lexington, KY
Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?

I use latex tubes in race-only wheels and, so far, haven't had any flats.

I put a new set of tubes in race wheels at the beginning of each season (with appropriate rim tape - be careful here) and then ride them a couple times in training to make sure there isn't any pinching.  After that, put them away until a race/TT/etc. comes up, inflate, and go.  That's worked well for four years.  No pinches.  Knock wood!

2012-10-22 3:05 PM
in reply to: #4463772

User image

Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?
When you pull them out of their box, put one in a gallon zip lock bag with about 1/4" of talcum powder or corn starch (baby powder) and shake it up until the tube is good and covered.

Then take it out, inflate with your mouth until the tube will retain its round shape and screw down the valve.

Now put the tube on and put the second side of the tire on around it.

Do the same thing with the other tube.

Since I've been doing that I've not pinch flatted once. Another plus is the tube won't adhere to the tire if you leave it installed for months on end. Ever had a pile of swim caps that fused together? put those into the corn starch before you pile them together and that won't happen to them either.

Use butyl for your spare kit tube, you won't get far with CO2 in a latex tube before it flats.

2012-10-22 4:49 PM
in reply to: #4463772

User image

Pro
4360
200020001001001002525
Baton Rouge area
Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?

Like above, I used them race day only (plus prep rides to make sure everything is ship shape).  I actually have two sets of wheels so the latex tubes and race tires are on one set.  Except for needing to be pumped up more often once they are installed and working you are set.  BTW, I definitely see a difference in performance between my race wheel setup and my training wheel setup. 

2012-10-22 9:59 PM
in reply to: #4463772

User image

Master
1484
1000100100100100252525
Sedona, AZ
Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?
I use latex for all riding for the past two years. I swap tires for races fairly often without any issues. As others said, they are just as durable as butyl. I carry butyl as a spare. No flats yet (knocking on wood...).


2012-10-23 12:40 AM
in reply to: #4463772

User image

Veteran
287
100100252525
Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?

They are impossible to find in 650c...which makes me sad.

I've heard you can make them some how out of a 700c tube...I've also heard of people folding 700c latex tubes to fit in a 650c tire.

 

2012-10-23 8:35 AM
in reply to: #4463987

User image

Pro
5755
50005001001002525
Subject: RE: cons of latex tubes?

DanielG - 2012-10-22 4:05 PM When you pull them out of their box, put one in a gallon zip lock bag with about 1/4" of talcum powder or corn starch (baby powder) and shake it up until the tube is good and covered. Then take it out, inflate with your mouth until the tube will retain its round shape and screw down the valve. Now put the tube on and put the second side of the tire on around it. Do the same thing with the other tube. Since I've been doing that I've not pinch flatted once. Another plus is the tube won't adhere to the tire if you leave it installed for months on end. Ever had a pile of swim caps that fused together? put those into the corn starch before you pile them together and that won't happen to them either. Use butyl for your spare kit tube, you won't get far with CO2 in a latex tube before it flats.

Excellent advice. Only thing else I do is pump the t ire once or twice and go around the tire one more time before fully filling just to make sure it's not pinched. Never had a problem following this routine.

Butyl goes under the seat as a spare.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » cons of latex tubes? Rss Feed